On-time graduation is a big issue for colleges nationwide. Many students juggle part-time jobs and full-time academic commitments. Individualized attention is a hallmark of an education at Minnesota’s private nonprofit colleges.

For many first-generation students — those who are first in their family to attend college — the dream of going to college can seem difficult or even out of reach. Many private colleges have programs to help these students achieve success.

Concordia University, St. Paul head women's lacrosse coach Mo Gaitan has had a productive summer, serving as assistant coach for the U19 Colombian Women's National Team at the FIL Rathbones Women's 2015 U19 Lacrosse World Championships at the University of Edinburgh.